Contemporary art has developed over the years to
include implementation of modern digital technique and high-tech
materials. The visual concepts are not only 2 or 3 dimensional but
encompass sound, feel and multi-dimensional movements in performances
and dynamic installations. For the lovers of art, the documenta provides
an overview of contemporary art through the works of selected artists
from different countries around the world.

The documenta is an art exhibition event that
takes place every 5 years in Kassel, Germany. The 12th event,
documenta 12, took place between 16 June and 23 September 2007. Art
works of 109 artists from 43 countries were exhibited. The exhibition
attracted visitors from different countries in Europe such as the
Netherlands as well as from outside Europe particularly the USA.

While some of the works might be relatively easy to understand and
digest, many of the art works would definitely need some explanation
from an expert or the artist himself/herself. Whatever the case, an art
work, in my opinion, should create controversy that leads to
discussions. Most of the works at the documenta not only brought up
question marks on the minds of the visitors but also made many of them
had a good laugh.

Kerry
James Marshall

The art works of the African-American artist
Kerry James Marshall give an insight to the socio-cultural life of Blacks
in the USA . Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1955, Kerry James Marshall
graduated with a baschelor of Fine arts (BFA) from Otis art Institute in
Los Angeles and later received an honorary doctorate in 1999. He lives in
Chicago, where he works as an associate professor of Arts at the
University of Chicago. As an artist, Kerry James Marshall is influenced by
the geographical, political and social environment of his upbringing. The Civil Rights and the Black Panther era are
depicted in many of his works including paintings, drawings, graphics,
videos and installations. He became known for emphasizing black paint for
the skin colour of his figures. In recent times, Kerry includes Asians in
his paintings and Chinese words in some of his graphics.

At the documenta 12, Dan S. Wang made a presentation
of the work of the artist within the context of inter-ethnical situation
in Chicago and the USA as a whole. A brief interview with Dan S. Wang
at the documenta is presented here>

Churchill
Madikida

The installations of a South African artist,
Churchill Madikida were also highlights at the exhibition. His
installations shockingly illustrate the deadly AIDS epidemic situation
in South Africa. Churchill Madikida was born in Butterworth in the
eastern Cape in 1973 and received a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) in 2001
from the University of Witwatersrand. He lives and works in
Johannesburg.

Churchill
Madikida

The artist derives concepts for his work from his
root, the Xhosa tradition. He makes use of diverse media including,
installations, sculpture, video and live performance to showcase his
work. EndAfritopic
2007